Ms. December's story is lovingly sponsored by Kim Smith
The theme of A Calendar to Live By 2023 is In Her Own Words. All 12 women who grace its pages have honest, inspiring stories written in their own words to share with readers -- as well as words of advice for other young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Read on to get to know more about Ms. December 2023.
Ms. December 2023 | Diagnosed at 47 (2019)
I am the youngest girl of nine siblings, with close relationships to each of my four brothers and four sisters. Born and raised in the small town of South Haven, Michigan, I am a Michigan Wolverines fan (Go Blue!) who loves to laugh, smile, and have all the fun with family and friends. I am a proud parent of two children, a 16 year old son, and an 8 year old daughter, with my husband James. In April 2019 I celebrated my year anniversary with James, not knowing that four words would change my life forever just two weeks later. "You have breast cancer." Once past the shock and meltdowns, I started to pick up the pieces and committed myself to fight and beat the disease. Today, I am cancer-free. Cancer interrupts your life in all areas no matter the diagnosis and it does its best to keep you in a dark place. There will be some good days and a lot of bad days - but no matter what kind of day comes, I believe we must keep going. I recommend joining a support group. I credit my participation in Here for the Girls for keeping me uplifted and helping me communicate difficult emotions. I also encourage building a support system of your family and close friends. Lastly, I encourage everyone to feed their mind with positive meditations and prayer. I still meditate regularly on Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." And I say to never forget your breast self-exams - check those boobies on the first of the month and at your annual exam. It can save your life!
ADVICE: Cancer interrupts your life in all areas no matter the diagnosis and it does its best to keep you in a dark place. There will be some good days and a lot of bad days - but no matter what kind of day comes, we must keep going.